Make48 Heads to Winona, MN with Fastenal as Challenge Sponsor!

The clock is ticking! This May 2-4, teams will assemble at Minnesota State Southeast College in Winona, MN, for the second Make48 event of the year. The challenge? To build a prototype for none other than Fastenal, a leading supply chain solutions company  headquartered right in Winona!

This year's challenge theme, Safety in Manufacturing, is a topic deeply ingrained in Fastenal's day-to-day. As a leading distributor of industrial and construction supplies, Fastenal's commitment to customer service goes hand-in-hand with ensuring safe working environments. Their dedication to safety, both in their own facilities and when supporting customers on their safety journey, is evident in the comprehensive training programs and extensive safety service platforms provided to customers. Fastenal's sponsorship of Make48 reflects and reinforces this commitment to fostering a culture of safety within the manufacturing industry.

“Fastenal has long been a proponent of workplace safety, and we’ve invested heavily in this area. We are elated to have this opportunity to partner with Make48 and can’t wait to see what the teams create.” Brent Roeder, VP of Sales 

A Winona Success Story

Fastenal's roots are firmly planted in Winona. Founded in the late 1960s, the company began by supplying  threaded fasteners to businesses in Winona and nearby towns. Today, Fastenal operates over 3,600 in-market locations (including public branches and customer-specific Onsites), each offering custom inventory and dedicated sales teams to support local customers. 

They've grown into a multifaceted company that offers a wide range of products, services, and solutions. In addition to its distribution centers and in-market locations, Fastenal also operates nine manufacturing facilities, producing high-quality engineered solutions for their customers. To ensure efficient and reliable delivery, Fastenal maintains its own North American logistics fleet, providing last-mile delivery as part of its comprehensive supply chain services.

What Makes Fastenal Stand Out?

Fastenal's success is built on a foundation of strong customer relationships and a commitment to innovation. As they told Make48, "Those who work with us know Fastenal’s strength comes from our people. We help lots of organizations secure their supply chains, and that’s possible because we have a great team around the globe."

Their public branch network positions people and products close to customers across the globe. Their Onsite model brings them even closer, providing dedicated staff and tailored inventory for an individual customer site.

Fastenal's inventory management technology (think vending machines, e-bins, and smart lockers) reflect their innovative approach. Widely adopted by machining industries and makerspaces, these devices save time and increase efficiency. "Proximity matters," Fastenal explained. "The same way an Onsite brings inventory closer to where it’s used, lockers and vending machines move tools and PPE right where workers need them the most." 

At Make48, our teams and tool techs rely on Fastenal’s vending machines to supply and track production needs. We stock them with a wide variety of resources, including safety glasses, sanding gloves, boxes of fasteners, glues, and much more.  Need a new pair of safety glasses? No need to search – just head to the vending machine. These devices send data to the cloud, providing valuable insight - info that can be used to reduce costs and operate more productively. Fastenal also provides bin stock equipment to organize all the nuts, bolts, washers, and screws the teams need to use for the competition.

Make48 Teams To Tackle Fastenal's Safety Challenge in Winona

Looking Ahead and Investing in the Future

Fastenal's customer-focused approach positions them for continued success. As they look to the future, they envision even stronger partnerships with their customers, working collaboratively to anticipate and fulfill their evolving needs. This dedication to close collaboration is the driving force behind their motto: "Growth Through Customer Service."

Fastenal creates opportunities in the communities they serve. For example, they were recognized by the University of Wisconsin-Stout as its Employer of the Year for their significant engagement with students. Their dedication to education is multifaceted. When you partner with Fastenal, you're investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. They offer a unique scholarship program that empowers schools to directly support students of their choice.

Fastenal is deeply invested in the future of technical trades. Their comprehensive education program supports a wide range of fields, including welding, electrical, aviation maintenance, and carpentry. The program includes student financing options, scholarships, and access to name-brand tools and supplies. Furthermore, Fastenal offers scholarships specifically for students enrolled in technical education programs at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Schools can also receive a 2% rebate on their purchases of tools, parts, and supplies, which can then be used to fund student scholarships. Beyond these initiatives, Fastenal actively supports STEM outreach programs, recognizing the importance of fostering innovation and technical skills in young people.

Join us in Winona!

We're thrilled to have Fastenal on board as the challenge sponsor for Make48's Winona event. Their commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service makes them the perfect partner for this exciting competition. We can't wait to see what the teams create! Learn more about this event at https://www.make48.com/2025-mn-state-college-southeast